Store Systems

Last week, my retail technology-related travels took me closer to home than usual – to Boston, the city where I was born and still live within a reasonable drive. I visited the old homestead to attend the official opening of the CVS Health’s new Digital Innovation Lab. CVS officials did a fine job explaining the mission of the lab and giving the audience a sneak peek at some of their work.

Whether buying online or in the store, consumers today want more control over their shopping experience. If they could have greater control, the number one aspect that consumers would change is the frustration of waiting in a long checkout line in store. In fact, industry research has shown that 52% of consumers say they would actually take their business elsewhere if their checkout wait times exceed five to 10 minutes.

Chelmsford, Mass. -- There is a disconnect between IT and loss prevention departments when it comes to budgets, focus and staffing, according to a study by IHL Group and Axis Communications.

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — Cypress Equities, the management company for Brookwood Village, announced its plans for updating the interior of the two-level shopping center that straddles the communities of Homewood and Mountain Brook.

New York — The Home Depot is focused on making goods flow more smoothly.

In fact, the company’s common order management system, or COM, has been called the largest IT project in the history of the Atlanta-based retail giant. And during the recent Goldman Sachs Annual dotCommerce Day presentation, Kevin Hofmann, Home Depot’s senior VP and president –online, explained to investors how the retailer intends to flex its order management muscle.
 

With sales of its online channel approaching $4 billion, the Home Depot is heavily engaged in making goods flow through that channel more smoothly.

Irvine, Calif. — Online menswear retailer Combatant Gentlemen Inc. is seeking to expand one of the fastest-growing segments of its business.

The company has launched The Groom's Suite, an online dashboad offering suits starting at $160 and tuxes starting at $200, to attract budget-conscious brides and grooms who prefer to buy rather than rent.

Kroger turned in a stunning first quarter same store sales performance while expanding omnichannel and convenience capabilities designed to extend a comp streak now well into the 11^th year.

Same store sales rose 5.7% excluding fuel in the first quarter ended May 23. Net income attributable to Kroger rose to $619 million, or $1.25 per share, in the first quarter, from $501 million, or 98 cents per share, a year earlier.